This stand in the Toronto airport caught my eye last fall, mostly because I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen anything remotely like it.
I wonder: Can you still find them in the lobbies of big city buildings? Does anyone go to them? Can anyone make a living shining shoes?
The style now is casual dress and that has killed shoe shines. I would think that the vast majority of people don’t even have shoe polish in their homes any more.
This is a pretty classy set-up. I doubt that this business is profitable enough to provide a decent living wage. There is one in the Downtowner Car Wash in St. Paul that I occasionally visit. Have seen the worker there only once and business was not booming.
Have not seen one of these in years! Growing up they were ubiquitous. I think Andy is right. Nobody shines shoes anymore. Well, maybe some folks do, but I don’t wear shoes that need much shining.
I’ve seen them in a few major airports and there were always people getting their shoes shined – some ladies and mostly men in business suits – spiffing up before that big meeting I suspect. I think they might be busier on slushy messy rainy days.
good question!
there was one in north station in boston, and i saw them in new york. not something i can remember ever seeing in the netherlands….
Shoe shine stands in larger airports are common, but this is an especially appealing old-fashioned stand.
This is FANTASTIC and so well preserved.
Or is it new? 😉
There is one in a big casino in Vegas..the Suncoast..it also looks identical to this one and yes, you often see an older gentleman sitting and having his shows shined. NOTE: they also “clean tennis shoes!!!